Pull-out register



lNvENToR Mmm a, 30M/enf BY y . ATTORNEYS W. G. BORCHERS PULLOUT REGISTER Filed Aug. 7, 1941 Dec. 21, 19433 Patented Dec. 21, 1943 PULL-OUT REGISTER William G. Borchers, Hoboken, N. J., assignor to Autographic Register Company, Hoboken, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application August 7, 1941, Serial No. ll05,755

v('Cl. 282-18) 21 Claims.

The present invention relates to autographic registers, and particularly, to an improved formfeeding, and form-registering mechanism for autographic registers of the hand pullout type.

In registers of the aforesaid type, sometimes known as portable registers, continuous stationery is led from a supply over a platen, each form length successively reaching an inscription position on the platen, while the preceding form length which issues from the register is simultaneously positioned to be torn oif at a severing station. An initial feeding and form-registering mechanism is provided to project the end of a registered form length of stationery after inscription, a short distance beyond the end of the machine, so that it may be grasped and pulled out by hand, thereby drawing the next form length into inscription position, where it is arrested and registed by the feeding mechanism.

In such registers, it has been known heretofore to provide form-registering and form-feeding mechanism comprising, for instance, a pair of pins near the delivery end of the register, which project above the surface of the platen to engage holes near the leading edge of successive form lengths of the continuous stationery. The pins are movable to and fro in the direction of strip feed, as well as vertically between a projected and a retracted position, for engaging and releasing the strip from the pins.

The pins, for instance, move forwardly in projected position in response to operation of the feeding mechanism, thereby projecting the end of a form length of stationery beyond the end of the machine so that it can be manually grasped. 'I'he pins are then retracted downward, releasing the stationery so that the projected form length can be pulled out the rest of the way. Meanwhile, the pins return to their original position and are tensioned to spring upward into the holes in the next form length, thereby arresting the manual pullout operation, and registering the succeeding form length for inscription.

In such prior constructions, however, the pins have been mounted to swing angularly about an axis, either in order to perform the to and fro movement for strip feed, or the vertical movement for releasing and engaging the strip, or both. As a result, the pins move angularly, while engaged with the holes in the stationery, and consequently the latter must be enlarged to permit this movement. This results in impaired accuracy in registration of the strips with theinscription opening, and if multiple strips are used,

it impairs accurate co-registration of the super- If the pins are mounted to swing about a relatively distant axis so thattheir an-jz gular motion is relatively small, the support isv posed strips.

rugged construction. In this respect, one fea' ture of the present invention is the provision of a novel and simplified tensioning means for applying a retraoting force to the feed means.

In some ofthe prior constructions above referred to, the pins move downward more or less gradually during the feeding stroke to the position in which they nally release the stationery.v

When multiple strip stationery is used, this tends to disturb the mutual alignment of the superposed strips when they are released bythe pins.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of mechanism whereby the pins remain fully projected substantially to the end of the feed stroke and are then suddenly retracted to release the strips. They are then automat-v ically returned inretracted position to their original longitudinal position and are suddenly and fully released for registering engagement with the h oles inthe succeeding form length of stationery as it moves into position above the platenduring the manual pullout operation.

Further features and advantages will appear from the following descriptionmofa preferred embodiment of the invention,"with reference tothe accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an autographic register according to the present invention, a portion of the margin or cover plate being cut away to show the underlying platen.VA l

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the feed mechanism of the register of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the feed mechanism of fthe register of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional viewof the feed mechanism substantially along the line 4 4 in Fig. 3.

Figs. 5 to 8 inclusive, are cross-sections substantially along the line `5--5 of Fig. 4, showing successive` positions of the feed mechanism during the feeding cycle.

The autogr-aphic register illustrated in the drawing is enclosed in a casing comprising an elongate box-like structure I8, havin-g a pair of vertical longitudinally disposed plates II on the the upper edges of the vertical plates II termi-V I.

nates short of one end of the casing to form a slot I3 through which the stationery is drawn from the supply compartment over the platen. At the opposite or delivery end', the'platen termi-` nates short of the end of the casingadjacent the feed mechanism M, a removable plate I4 being provided to cover the actuating elements of saidA mechanism. The plate I4 comprises a pair of slots I5 extending in the direction of travel of the stationery, and a pair of feeding and register-V ingV pins I6` are adapted to project upward through said slots for engaging, correspondingly spaced holes adjacent the. leading edge of each form length of, the stationery.V

Afmarginor cover plate I 1, hinged for instance to the casing at the delivery end ofi the register, extends over the top of the casing and is provided with an inscription opening I8 above the platen. At the delivery end of the register, the edge of the margin plate preferably coincides with the upper edge of the end wall I9 of the casing, and is vertically spaced therefrom to form an issue slot for the form lengths of stationery.. The edges of the slot serve as a severing station for tearing oi issued form lengths of the strips, as is usual in the art.v The cover plate I1 preferably includes guide means for holding the apertured form lengths down on the pins I8.

At the lower portion of the delivery end of th casing IU, an opening or slot may be provided giving access to the record strip compartment, which may be located beneath the supply compartment in the casing, and a cover 20 hinged tothe'casing at 2l, may be provided to close the record slip aperture.

,Accordingrto the present invention, the pins I6 are adapted to be reciprocated longitudinally in the slots I5 between a pair of limiting positions, and also to reciprocate vertically from the normal position in which they project upward from the surface of the platen I2 and the slotted plateY I 4, and retracted position in which they areA withdrawn downwardly below this surface. For convenience, the motion of the parts of the feed mechanism toward the delivery end of the platen, that is in the direction of said strip, will be referred to hereinafter as forward motion, and motion in the opposite direction, as rearward motion.

The feed mechanism M is supported by a ver-v tical, U-shaped vyoke or frame 22 securedv to the end wall I9 of the casing below the slottedplate 14. A rock: shaft. 23 is. journaled in the ends 24 of frame 22, and protrudes through the vertical. plate I I at one side of the. casing.

An operating lever 25 is secured to the projecting end of the rock shaft 23 between the verticalplate II and the adjacent side wall of the casing I0. For operating the mechanism, the lever 25 and rock shaft 23 are adapted to move to and fro through a limited angle about the axis ofthe shaft. When the operating lever 25 is in its normal position, illustrated in full lines in Fig. which it occupies when the pins I6 are in form-length registering position, the rear edge of said lever is accessible from the exterior of the casing through a horizontally elongated aperture 26 at the side of the casing. The aperture may be formed, for instance as shown in Fig. 2, at the line of junction between the upper edge of the casing side wall, and the edge of the cover or margin plate I1. By inserting the thumb or finger in the said aperture, lever 25 may be pushed forward to the limit of its motion as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2, the return movement to its normal position being automatic.

Moreover, lever 25 may project through a suitable slot or aperture in the top of the margin plate I1, and may be provided with a serrated surface 21 so that it can be manually operated from the'top of the casing.

According to the present invention, the pins I6 Vare mounted at the top of a vertical plate 28 extending transversely of the register, and secured to a supporting plate 29 for limiting vertical sliding movement thereon.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawing, a pair of notches 30 having parallel vertical edges are formed in the upper edge of plate 28, and a pair of T-shaped projections 3i lanced from plate 29 engage these notches at the narrow portion of the T. At the lower midportion of plate 28, a T-shaped aperture 32 is formed and a T-shaped projection 33, similar to projection 3l, is lanced outwardly from plate 29. The projection 33 is inserted in the aperture 32 at its widened upper end, While projections 3! engage notches 38. Upon sliding plate 28 upwardly on plate 29, the narrow portions of the T-shaped projections 3I and 33 engage the vertical edges of notches 38 and aperture 32, holding the plates against relative lateral movement, while the widened portions of said projections retain the two plates together. Upward sliding movement of plate 28 on plate 29 is limited by engagement of said projections with the lower'edges of the notches 38 or aperture 32.

Plate 28 is normally urged upward to an elevated position on plate 29 by means of a pair of tension springs 34, anchored to projections 3I and secured to a pair of hooks 35 lanced from the base of slidable plate 2S.

According to the invention, plate 29 is supported in vertical position on a pair of horizontal guide rods 36 secured to the yoke 22 and to the end wall I9 of the register. These rods comprise a reduced portion 31 extending from the wall I9 to an annular shoulder 38 intermediate the ends of the rod.

A pair of sleeves or collars 39, secured to plate 29, slidably engage the reduced portions 31 of rods 35 and maintain the plate 29 and hence plate 28 in vertical position. In order to permit plate 28 to slide freely up and down on plate 29, a pair of vertical slots 49 are formed therein through which rods 36 extend.

The two plates are thus adapted to slide back and forth in the direction of strip feed, rearward sliding motion being limited by engagement of plate 29 with shoulders 38, and forward motion by engagement of the collars 39 with the wall I9.

Means for urging the plates toward the rear ward limit comprises a pair of compression springs 4I coiled about the reduced portions 31 of rods 3S and seated in a counterbore 42 in collars 39 facing wall I9. A compression spring 43 may also be secured to the wall I9 above the level of rods 36 in a position where it is adapted to abut the plate 29 when it moves forwardly, thus providing additional force for returning the plate toward its original position, and also tending to counteract any tendency of the plates to cant out of vertical position.

Horizontal reciprocating movement of plates 28 and 29 in response to angular motion of rock shaft 23 and operating lever 25 is accomplished, according to the invention, by means of .a pair of substantially rigid upwardly extending, rearwardly curving fingers 44 secured to the rock shaft and adapted to engage the rear surface of plate 29 adjacent its ends which extend beyond the ends of plate 28. These fingers engage plate 29 when the latter is in normal position, abutting the shoulders 38, and when operating lever is vertically positioned as shown in Fig. 2. Upon rocking the lever 25 forwardly, lingers 44 swing forward and downward, moving plate 29 and plate 28 carried thereby, by camming action toward the wall I9, and at the same time compressing springs 4I and 43. Upon release of the operating lever, the said plates, as well as the lever are returned to their normal position by springs 4I, which are aided by spring 43 during the initial part of the stroke.

According to the invention, means for depressing the plate 28, and thus for retracting the pins IS carried thereby, against the elevating tension of the springs 34, comprises a substantially rigid upwardly extending plate 45 secured to the rock shaft 23 approximately equidistant from the journals of the rock shaft. At its upper end, plate 45 carries a forwardly extending resilient finger 46 which protrudes through a notch 41 in plate 28 and a correspondingly deeper cutout 48 in plate 29.

An abutment member 49, having a horizontal abutment surface is secured to plate 28 at the base of the notch 41. When plates 28 and 29 and operating lever 25 are at the rearward limit of their motion, resilient nger 46 does not engage abutment 49, but when the operating lever and rock shaft are moved forwardly to move the plates to the forward limit of their motion, nger 46 engages abutment 49, flexes progressively outward from plate 45, and applies a downward force to the abutment 49, which increases as the foi'- ward stroke progresses. At the end of the stroke, the force is sufficient to overbalance the elevating tension of springs 34, and the plate 28 is tensioned to slide downward on plate 29 to retract the pins I6.

Means for retaining the pins in projected position substantially to the end of the forward stroke, and in their retracted position substantially to the end of the return stroke, comprises a roller 59 mounted on a pin 5I extending horizontally outward from the upper edge of notch 41 and lying in the plane of plate 28. A rigid horizontal tongue 52 projects' forwardly from the frame 22 through notch 4l and cutout 48, and the pin 5I and roller 59 extend partway across the said tongue.

When plates 29 are in elevated position and pins I6 are projected, roller 5D is adapted to engage and roll along the upper surface of tongue 52, while upon lowering the plate 28 and retracting the pins I6, the roller is adapted to engage and roll along the lower surface of tongue 52.

The tip of tongue 52 is so spaced from the end wall I9 that the roll passes beyond its tip as plates 28 and 29 substantially reach the forward limit of their motion, or just before the end of the forward stroke. Thus, when this point is reached, the roller 59 is released so that it may move downward past the end of tongue 52, permitting plate 28 and pins I6 to be retracted.

A cutout 53 is formed at the side of the tongue 52 engaging roller 50, and extending inward at least to the tip of pin 5I. Its forward edge is so spaced with reference to shoulders 38 on the supporting rods 36, that roller 59 reaches the edge of the cutout when plate 29 substantially reaches the limit of its rearward motion, as determined by shoulder 39. Thus, at the end of the rearward stroke, or just before the end of the stroke, the roller 59 can move upward through the cutout 53, to elevate plate 23 and project pins I6.

Operation of the mechanism will be readily understood from the foregoing description. The pins I6 are normally disposed at the rearward limit of their movement, and the apertures engaged thereby in each form length of stationery are so disposed therein that when they engage the pins in the said normal position, the leading edge of the form length coincides with the severing station at the delivery end of the register, and the engaged form length is positioned for inscription beneath the opening I8 in the margin or cover plate I1. In its initial position when lever 25 is vertically disposed as shown in Fig. 2, the fingers 44 occupy the position shown in Fig. 8. Plates 28 and 29 are disposed at the rear of their limit of horizontal movement. Plate 28 is in elevated position on plate 29, projecting pins I6 upward through slots I5 of the plate I4 in formlength registering position.

As the operating lever 25 is moved forward, rock shaft 23 swings fingers 44 forwardly sliding plates 28 forwardly on support rods 36, compressing spring 4I as shown in Fig. 5. The engagement of sleeves 39 with the said rods maintains plates 28 and 29, and consequently pins I9 in vertical position throughout the stroke.

As the feed stroke progresses, spring 43 is also compressed, neutralizing any tendency of the plates 28 and 29 to cant forward on the support rods, and resilient finger 46 engages abutment 49, progressively increasing the force thereto tending to push plate 28 downward on plate 29. Roller 50, engaging the upper surface of the rigid tongue 52, retains plate 28 and pins l 6 in elevated projecting position. The resulting forward movement of pins I6 in the slots l5 projects the leading edge of the inscribed previously registered form length of stationery a short distance beyond the end of the register.

When roller 5I) reaches the tip of the tongue 52, as shown in Fig. 6, plates 28 and 29 having substantially reached the end of the forward stroke in which sleeves 39 abut the wall I9, resilient finger 46 has been bent outwardly from the support 45 and applies suicient downward force to abutment 49 to overcome the elevated tension of springs 34 which normally urge plate 28 to ele- Vated position.

As roller 50 is released from the support of tongue 52, resilient nger 46 moves plate 28 Vertically downward to the position shown in Fig. 7, retracting pin I6 below the surface of the slots I5. Thus as the pins reach the end of their forward stroke, they are retracted below the surfacev of plate I4 thus releasing a form length of stationery, if engaged during the forward stroke with its leading edge projecting a short distance beyond the end of the register.

The projecting end of the strip is manually grasped and drawn outward from the register.'

Meanwhile as operating lever 25. is released, and before the holes in the succeeding form length reach the pins, springs 4I and 43 move plates 28 and 29 rearwardly on the support rods 3S, the curved fingers 44, rock shaft 23, and operating lever 25, being simultaneously moved toward their original positions; Spring43 acts to accelerate the initial return stroke of the plates, insuring relatively rapid return motion, and aids in overcoming the resistance to rearward motion of the plates occasioned by friction between the resilient finger 46 and abutment 49.

As resilient finger 4maintains plate 23 in depressed position at the beginning of the return stroke, roller 50 slides under'tongue 52 and as the tension of the finger 46 is released, engagement of the roller with the lowersurface of the tongue, prevents springs 34 from elevating plate 28 and again projecting pins I6, the rapid initial return movement occasioned by spring 43 insuring engagement of the roller 50 with the lower surface of tongue 52. As the end of the return stroke is reached, resilient nger 46 may engage roller 50 and apply a slight additional force thereto, tending to elevate plate 28 as shown in Fig. 8.

As the end of the return stroke is reached, that is, when plate 29 engages shoulders 38 on the support rods 3B, the roller 5i) reaches the cutout 53 in tongue 52 and is thus released by the latter.

The tension of springs 34 thereafter tends to elevate plate 28 on plate 29 and to project pins IS above the surface of the slotted plate I4 and the platen I2. However, since the holes in the partly projected form length of stationary are no longer registered with the pins, the strips of stationary are held down against the platen by a conventional guide means, either at the sidesA of the platen o1' on the lower surface of margin plate I'I. Hence, pins I6 are merely pressed upward yieldably against the stationery by springs 34, but cannot rise to their fully projected position.

The projecting end of the stationary is grasped and drawn outwardly from the register. holes in the succeeding form lengths reach pins I6, the latter spring upward through the holes and arrest manual withdrawal of the strip of stationery, at the same time registering the engaged form length above the platen with the inscription opening I8 in the margin plate I'I and likewise registering the leading edge of the engaged form length with'the severing station at the end of the cover plate of the register. The issued form length may then be torn ol along the severing edge.

The relative spacing of the tip of tongue 52 and the forward edge ofcutout 53 determines the point in the forward and return strokes at which the pins I6 are retracted and projected. By altering this relative position, the retraction andV projection of the pins may be arranged to occur at any point in the strokes; but preferably, the said operations are arranged to occur, as shown, substantially at the ends of said strokes.

The stationery may comprise a single strip, or multiple superposed strips which are generally used for manifolding. In either case, the issued and severed copy may be retained, if desired, and stared in the record storage compartment, access to the compartment being had by raising the cover 2S at the delivery end of the register.

When multiple strip stationery is used, transfer sheets are usually interleaved therewith to make duplicate copies, the transfer Vsheets being stored, for instance, in the form of a roll at the As they side of the register opposite the operating lever 25, between the vertical plate I I and the side wall of the register.

Variations and modications may be made within the scope of this invention and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim:

1. In an autographic register having a casing provided with a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding, formregistering apertures at form-length intervals are advanced, an initial feeding and registering mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen, comprising a strip-aperture engaging means movable between predetermined limits longitudinally of the platen, and movable through the surface of the platen between projected strip engaging position and retracted strip releasing position; means for retaining said strip aperture engaging means against angular displacement relative to the surface of the platen; means for moving said strip aperture engaging means forwardly in projected position to advance the strip a fraction of a form length, and retracting said strip engaging means to release the strip adjacent the end of the forward stroke; then moving said strip engaging means rearwardly in retracted position, and finally urging said stripengaging means, yieldably to projected position to reengage the strip adjacent the end of the rearwardstroke; and xed guide means for conning the aperture-engaging means to each of said forward, retracting, backward and projecting movements successively until each is completed.

2. In an autographic register having a casing provided with a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding, formregistering apertures at form-length intervals are advanced, an initial feeding and registering mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen, comprising a strip aperture engaging means movable between predetermined limits parallel to the surface of the platen, and also movable perpendicular to the platen surface between projected strip engaging position and retracted `strip releasing position; means for retaining said strip aperture engaging -means against angular displacement relative to the surface of the platen; means for moving said strip aperture engaging means forwardly in projected position to advance a strip a fraction of a form length, and retracting said strip engaging means to release the strip adjacent the end of the forward stroke; then moving said strip engaging means rearwardly in retracted position, and finally urging said strip engaging means yieldably to projected position to reengage the strip adjacent the end of the rearward stroke; and xed guide means for confining the apertureengaging means to each of said forward, retracting, backward and projecting movements successively until each is completed.

3. In an autographic register having a casing provided with a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding, formregistering apertures at form-length intervals are advanced, an initial feeding and registering mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the y platen; a carriage movable between predetermined limits longitudinally of the platen; means for retaining said carriage against angular displacement relative to the plane of the platen; strip engaging means mounted on said carriage for rectilinear movement in a direction intersecting the plane of the platen between projected strip aperture engaging position and retracted strip aperture releasing position; operating means for moving said carriage forwardly with the strip aperture engaging means projected for advancing a strip a fraction of a form length, and retracting said strip aperture engaging means to release the strip adjacent the end of the forward stroke; automatic means for moving said carriage rearwardly with the strip aperture engaging means in retracted position and projecting said strip aperture engaging means to reengage the strip adjacent the end of the rearward stroke, said automatic means normally urging said carriage in rearward direction; and fixed guide means for confining the aperture-engaging means to each of said forward, retracting, backward and projecting movements successively until. each is completed.

4. In an autographic register having a casing provided with a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding, formregistering apertures at form-length intervals are advanced, an initial feeding and registering mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen; a carriage rectilinearly movable Vbetween predetermined limits parallel to the plane of the platen; means for retaining said carriage against angular displacement relative to the plane of the platen; strip engaging means mounted on said carriage for rectilinear movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the platen between projected strip aperture engaging position and retracted strip aperture releasing position; operating means for moving said carriage forwardly with the strip aperture engaging means projected for advancing an engaged strip a fraction of a form length and retracting said strip aperture engaging means to release the strip adjacent the end of the forward stroke; automatic means for moving said carriage rearwardly with the strip aperture engaging means in retracted position, and projecting said strip aperture engaging means to reengage the strip adjacent the end of the rearward stroke, said automatic means normally urging said carriage in rearward direction; and xed guide means for confining the aperture-engaging means to each of said forward, retracting, backward and projecting movements successively until each is completed.

5. In an autographic register having a casing provided with a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding, formreglstering apertures at form-length intervals are advanced, an initial feeding and registering mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen comprising guide means extending parallel to the platen surface in predetermined strip-feeding direction; a carriage slidably supported by said guide means for rectilinear motion parallel to the platen surface and retained by said guide means against angular displacement relative to said surface; a strip aperture engaging member slidably supported on said carriage for rectilinear movement in a direction intersecting the surface of the platen between projected strip engaging position and retracted strip releasing position; operating means for moving said carriage forwardly with the strip aperture engaging means projected for advancing a strip engaged thereby a fraction of a form length, and retracting said strip aperture engaging means to release the strip adjacent the end of the forward stroke; automatic means for moving said carriage rearwardly with the strip aperture engaging means in retracted position, and-projecting said strip aperture engaging means to reengage the strip adjacent the end of the rearward stroke; said automatic means normally urging 4said carriage in rearward direction; and fixed guide means for conning the aperture-engaging means to each of said forward, retracting, backward and projecting movements successively until each is completed. j

6. In an autographic register having a box-like casing and a platen at the top of the casing over which continuous strips of stationery are fed, and an initial feed mechanism for advancing each form length of stationery a fraction of a form length upon operation thereof; means for actuating said initial feed mechanismv comprising a rock shaft extending transversely of the casing; bearing means within the casing for said rock shaft; means on the rock shaft for actuating said initial feed mechanism upon limited rocking motion of the shaft in one direction; automatic means for returning the rock shaft and feed mechanism to their initial positions; and a nger piece extending outwardly from the rock shaft within the casing and adjacent a side wall there-l of, said side wall having an aperture therein providing access to said linger piece for manual operation thereof to move the rock shaft from starting position to the opposite limit of its operating stroke. Y e 7. In an autographic register having a box-like casing, aplaten at the top of the casing over which continuous strips of stationery are fed, and an initial feed mechanism for advancing each form length of stationery a fraction of a form length upon operation thereof; means for operating said initial feed mechanism comprising a rock shaft extending transversely of the casing; bearing means within the casing for said rock shaft; means on the rockshaft for actuating said initial feed mechanism upon limited rocking motion of the shaft in one direction; automatic meansfor returning said rock shaft to its initial position; and a radial finger piece within the casing vextending upward from said rock shaft adjacentl the side wall of the casing, through an aperture inthe cover thereof, said yapertureV providing accessto 4the linger piece from the exterior of thecasing for manual operation thereof, to movey therock shaft from its initial position to the opposite end -@frits-operating stroke, said casing having an lcomprising a strip aperture engaging member 'mounted forreciprocating forward and rear- YWard movement in a predetermined strip-feeding direction and for movement between projected strip engaging and retracted strip releasing position in a direction intersecting thel sur- :face .ofthe platen; means normally urgingY said strip engaging member to projected rearward position; a rock shaft movable between angularly spaced limits; means on the rockyshaft for moving said strip engaging'member forwardly *upon rocking said shaft in one direction, rearward movement of said member returning, the

lrock shaft to its initial position; a resilient nger onsaid rock shaft engaging said strip engaging member incidental to forward movement of the rrock shaft, said resilient finger applying sufficient 4downward force to said strip engaging member by the time it reaches the end of its Vforward stroke tovmove said member to retracted position; means for retaining said member in projected position during its forward stroke, `said means releasing said member for retraction by the time `the end of the forward stroke is reached.; and means for retaining said member in retracted :position during its rearward stroke, saidY means releasing said member for projection by the time .the rearward end of the stroke is reached,

4 9. In an autographic register having a casing with a platen over which continuous forms of stationery having form-,feeding and form registering apertures atl form length intervals therein are advanced, and an initial feed mechanism comprising a strip aperture engaging member mounted for reciprocating forward and rearward movement in a predetermined strip-feeding direction and for movement between projected strip engaging and retracted strip releasing position in a direction intersecting the surface of the platen; means normally urging said strip engaging member to projected, rearwardposition; a rock shaft movable between predetermined angularly spaced limits; means on the rockshaft .for Blevins said strip engaging member forwardly upon rocking said shaft in one direction, rearward motion of said strip engaginglmeans .returning the rock shaft to itsv initial position; a resilient finger on said rock shaft engaging said aperture engaging member incidental to for- I ward movement thereof by the rock shaft-said fltni` finger applying Sucient downward Aforce to said strip engaging member by the time it reaches the end of its forward stroke to move said member to retractedV position, and said Afinger releasing said member by the time the end of the, rearward stroke is reached; Vmeans for retaining saidrnember in projected position during its forward stroke, said means releasing said AInember by'thfetime the end of the forward stroke is'reach'ed; and means for retaining said member :inretracted position during its rearward stroke,

, said-means releasingsaid member for projection ltheftime Vthe end ofthe rearward stroke is reached.

i 10. In'ari autographic registerhaving acasing` with"a` platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding and form registering' apertures at form'length intervals therein are advanced, 'and an initial feed mechanism comprising a strip laperture engaging member mounted for'reciprocati'ng forward and rearward movement in a predetermined strip-feeding direction, and for movement between projected `strip engaging and retracted strip releasing position in 'a direction intersecting the surface of the' platen; means normally urging 4said 'strip engaging member to projected rearward position;

a rock shaft movable between predetermined angularly spaced limiting positions; cam means' on said rock shaftfor moving said strip "engaging member forward uponrocking'the'shaft in one direction; vva resilient lfinger on` saidrock shaft engaging 'saidf aperture engaging member incidental to forward movement thereof by the rock fshaft', said resilient finger applying suicient .downward force Vto said strip engaging member by the Vtimeit reaches Vthe end of its forward stroke tomove said memberto retracted positinfand releasing` said memberby the time the e'nd'of the rearwafrdstroke'i's reached; means ,for retaining saidme'rnber in projected position during its forward stroke, said means releasing said member by the time the end of the forward stroke is reached; and means for retaining said member in retracted position during its return stroke, said means `releasing said member for projection by the'time the rearward end of the return stroke is reached.

11. In an autographic register having a casing with-a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding and form-registering apertures at form length intervals therein are advanced, and an initial feed mechanism comprising a strip aperture engaging member mounted for reciprocating forward and rearward movement in a predetermined strip-feeding direction and for movement between projected` strip engaging and retracted strip releasing position in a direction intersecting the surface of the platen; means normally urging said strip engaging member to projected rearward position; a vrock shaft movable between angularly spaced limiting positions; means on the rock shaft for moving said strip engaging member forwardly upon rocking the shaft in one direction, rearward movement of said member returning said rock shaft to its initial position; a resilient finger on said rock shaft engaging said aperture engaging member incidental to forward movement thereof by the rock shaft, and applying sufficient downward force to said member by the time it reaches the end of its forward stroke to retract said member; and stationary cam 4means retaining said member in projected position during its forward stroke, said cam releasing said member by the time the end of said stro-ke is reached and retaining said member in retracted position during its rearward stroke, and said cam means releasing the strip engaging member for projection by the time the end of the rearward stroke is reached.

12. In an autographic register having a casing with a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding and form-registering apertures at form-length intervals therein is advanced, and an initial feed mechanism comprising strip aperture engaging means mounted for reciprocating forward and rearward movement in a predetermined strip-feeding direction and for movement between projected strip engaging and retracted strip releasing position in a registering apertures at form length intervals are advanced, an initial feed mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen comprising strip aperture engaging means mounted for limited reciprocating forward and rearward movement in a predetermined strip-feeding direction, and for straight-line movement between projected strip- 'engaging and retracted strip-releasing position in a direction intersecting the surface of the platen; yielding means normally urging said member rearwardly and to projected position;

-operating means for moving said member forwardly; means for applying sufficient retracting force to said member by the time it reaches the end of its forward stroke to move it to retracted position; fixed cam means engaging said member during its rearward movement by said urging means for retaining it in retracted position, said cam releasing the member for projection by the time it reaches the end of the rearward stroke; and auxiliary means for applying additional rearward force during the first portion of the return movement of said member to insure movement thereof to cam engaging position and to overcome the frictional resistance to said motion due to engagement of said member with said retracting means.

14. In an autographie register having a casing and a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding and form-registering apertures at form-length intervals are advanced, an initial feed mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen comprising guide means; a carriage mounted on said guide means for rectilinear sliding motion parallel to the surface of the platen, between rearward and forward limits; resilient means associated with said guide means for` automatically urging said carriage to the rearward limit of its stroke; auxiliary resilient means adapted to engage said carriage at a point offset from said guide means in a direction normal to the movement of the carriage, and urging said carriage rearwardly from its forward position; operating means engaging said carriage at a point intermediate said guide means and said auxiliary resilient means for moving the carriage to the forward limit of its stroke at a point offset from said guide means and the resilient means associated therewith, in a direction Vnormal to the movement of the carriage, said auxiliary resilient means minimizing the tendency of said operating means and said first-named resilient means to displace said carriage angularly; strip-engaging means slidably mounted on said carriage for reciprocating movement in a direction intersecting the surface of the platen; and means for retaining said member in projected positionduring forward movement of the carriage, retracting it at the forward end of the carriage stroke, retaining it in retracted position during the return movement of the carriage, and yieldably urging it to projected position at the rearward end of the carriage stroke.

15. In an autographic register havinga casing provided with a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding, formregistering apertures at form length intervals are advanced, an initial feeding and registering mechanism adjacent the delivery'end of the platen comprising a plurality of guide rods carried by the casing and extending longitudinally thereof parallel to the surface of the platen; a carriage slidably mounted on said guide rods and retained thereby against angular vdisplacement relative to the planeof the platen; a plurality of compression springs surrounding said guide rods and normally urging said carriage to the rearward limit of its motion; a strip engaging member slidably supported on said carriage for .limited rectilinear movement in a direction intersecting the plane of the platen between projecting strip engaging and retracted strip releasing position; operatingmeans for moving said carriage forwardly with the strip aperture enlgaging means in projected position, for advancing a strip engaged thereby a fraction of a form length; means for retracting said strip engaging member adjacent the forward end of the carriage stroke; means for retaining said strip aperture engaging member in retracted position during the automatic rearward movement of said carriage; and means for yieldably urging said strip engaging member to projected position as the carriage reaches the limit of its rearward stroke.

16. In an autographic register, a platen over which a continuous strip of stationery, divided into form lengths by transverse severing lines at form length intervals and having form-feeding form-registering apertures adjacent the leading edge of each form length is advanced; a severing station at the delivery end of the platen; an initial feed mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen, comprising a strip aperture engaging member mounted for limited rectilinear reciprocating motion parallel to the plane of the platen in a predetermined strip-,feeding direction, and for limited reciprocating rectilinear motion in a direction intersecting the plane of the platen at right angles between projected strip engaging and retracted strip releasing position; automatic means normally urging said strip engaging member to projected and to rearward position, said member being thereby adapted to register a form length, of which the apertures are engaged, in inscription position on the platen with the severing line at its leading edge coinciding with the severing station; operating means for moving said strip engaging member forwardly in projected position whereby a form length engaged thereby is projected a short distance beyond the severing station so that it may be manually grasped and extracted the rest of the way; means for retracting said member to release said strip as it reaches the end of its forward stroke; and fixed guide means for holding said member in retracted position during rearward movement thereof, said means releasing the member for yieldable projection against a surface of the strip on the platen as it reaches the end of the rearward stroke, whereby said member is adapted to engage an aperture in the succeeding form length during manual extraction of the projected form length, thereby registering the severing line between the form lengths with the severing station on the machine, and the second form length in inscription position above the platen.

17. In an autographic register having a casing provided with a platen over which continuous strips of stationery having form-feeding, formregistering apertures are advanced, an initial feeding and registering mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen comprising guide means extending parallel to the plane of the platen; a carriage slidably supported by said guide means for limited rectilinear movement parallel to the surface of the platen and retained by said guide means against angular displacement relative to the plane of the platen; yielding means normally urging said carriage rearwardly on said guide means to the rearward limit of its stroke; a pin plate mounted on said carriage for rectilinear sliding movement perpendicular to the plane of the platen; a strip aperture engaging pin on said pin .plate movable therewith between projected strip engaging position and retracted strip releasing position; means normally urging said pin plate yieldably to move the pin to projected position; an operating mechanism comprising arock shaft, a linger piece therefor accessible from the force to said plate to retract the pin by the time the carriage reaches the forward end of its movement; means for retaining the pin in projected position during forward movement of the carriage, said means releasing the pin for retraction adjacent the end of the carriage stroke; and means for retaining said pin in retracted position during the rearward movement of the carriage, said means releasing the pin for yieldable projection adjacent the end of the rearward carriage stroke, said pin being thereby adapted to engageV Istrips of stationery, divided into form lengths by transverse severing 'lines at form-length intervals and having a form-feeding, form-registering -aperture adjacent the leading Yedge of each form length are advanced; a severing station at the vdelivery end of the platen; an initial feed mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen, comprising a carriage mounted for limited rectilinear reciprocating movement parallel to the rsurface of the platen; means normally urging said carriage toward its rearward limiting position; a pin plate slidably mounted on said carriage for limited reciprocating rectilinear movement perpendicular to the plane of the strip; a strip'aperture engaging pin on said pin plate movable therewith between projected strip engaging position and retracted strip releasing position;

the surface of a strip positioned on the platen and to spring up into an aperture thereof as it moves into registry with said pin, arresting further advancement of the strip. v

1,8. In an auotgraphic register having a casing provided with a platen' over which Acontinuous strips of stationery having form-feeding, formregistering apertures are advanced, an initial feeding and registering mechanism adjacent the delivery end of the platen comprising-guide means extending parallel to the platen surface; a carriage slidably supported by said guide means for vlimited rectilinear movement Yparallel to the sur- Vface of the platen and retained by said guide means against angular displacement relative to the plane of the platen; yielding means normally urging said carriage rearwardly on said guide means to the rearward limit of its stroke; a pin plate mounted on said carriage for rectilinear sliding movement perpendicular to the plane of the platen; a strip aperture engaging pin on said .pin plate movable therewith between projected strip engaging position and retracted strip releasing position; means normally urging said pin plate yieldably to move the pin to projected position; an operating mechanism comprising a rock shaft, a finger piece therefor accessible from the exterior of the casing; a cam on said rock shaft adapted to engage said carriage for moving it to the forward limit of its stroke upon limited angular movement of the shaft; automatic return of said carriage to its rearward position moving saidrock shaft to its initial position; a resilient l finger on said rock shaft engaging said pin plate incident to forward movement of the carriage by said cam and applying sufficient retracting force to said plate to retract the pin by the time the carriage reaches the forward end of its movement; and fixed cam means, and a cooperating cam follower on the pin plate for retaining the pin in normal projectedposition during forward motion of the carriage, releasing said pin plate for retraction of the pin by the time the forward end of the carriage stroke is reached, retaining yieldable means normally urging said pin plate to move the pin to projected position, said pin heilig so spaced from the severing station when the carriage is in normal rearward position that it registers with an aperture in a form length positioned above the platen when the severing line at the leading edge of said form length coincides with the severing station; operating means comprising a rock shaft and a finger piece thereon, accessible from the exterior of the casing; a cam on said rock shaft adapted to engage said carriage for moving it to the forward limit of its motion upon limited angular movement of the shaft, automatic return of said carriage to rearward position moving said rock shaftto'its initial position; a resilient finger on said rock shaft engaging said pin plate incident to forward operation-of the carriage by said rock shaft and applying sufficient retracting force to said pin plate to retract the pin by the time the carriage reaches the forward limit of its movement; and fixed cam means,and a cooperating cam follower on the pin plate, fo-r retaining the pin in normal projected position during forward movement of the carriage, releasingsaid pin plate for retraction of the pin by the time the forward end of the carriage movement is reached, retaining said pin in retracte'd position during rearward movement of ,the carriage and releasingsaidpin plate for yieldable projection of thepin by the time the rearward limit of carriage movement is attained; forward movement of the pin projecting the end of alform length positioned on the .platen and-engaged by the pin beyond the severing station and retraction of the pin releasing said form length so that it may be manually extracted the rest of the way; Vsaid pin yieldably engaging 'the .surface of a strip positioned upon return of the carriage to rearward position and. upon release of the pin plate (by said cam means, whereby the pin is adapted to spring up linto an aperture in the succeeding form length during manual `extraction of the projected form length, registering .the former in inscription position on the platen and the severing line between the form lengths with the sev.. lering station. i

`20. In an autographic register, means for eject- ,ing theleading edges ofthe strips for manual grasp; a casingyand a lever mounted within the ,casing for operating `the ejector means, Vsaid lever being located adjacent the side wall rof the casing, thelatter having an aperture providing access tothe lever and the lever 'being located in position in front of said aperture 's o thattheopera- 'torsmflnger or thumb maybe projected through said aperture for 'the operation of said lever. j, Y 21. In an autographic register, means for ejecting the leading edges of Athe strips for Vmanual grasp; a casing; and a lever mounted in the casing for operating the ejector means, said lever being located adjacent the side Wall of the casing, the latter having an aperture providing access to the lever and the lever being located in position in front of said aperture so that the operators finger or thumb may be projected through said aperture for the operation of said lever, the end of said lever also projecting through a top wall of the casing and being there accessible for finger engagement whereby the lever may be optionally operated either from the top Wall side or the side Wall side of the casing.

WILLIAM G. BORCI-IERS. 

